GLOUCESTER CITIZEN (UK) 26 November 10 Shocked teenagers find dead baby cobra snake near play area (Chris Campbell)
Children were horrified to find a dead snake near a park where they play.
The snake, believed to be a cobra, was discovered next to garages in Highfield Park in Stroud.
Jon Sharp, 16, of Highfield Road, saw a five-year-old-boy crying and went over to see what the matter was.
The teenager, who was in the park with friends, called on the help of snake expert Martin Burns, who identified it as a baby cobra.
Jon, who studies Animal Care at Hartpury College, said: "The boy was screaming and pointing at a snake on the floor. I phoned the police. I walked to Martin's house and he came rushing to the park."
The brown and yellow snake was about 2ft long.
Martin, 42, of Spider Lane, said: "It was quite big for a baby. It was frozen, the weather is too cold for it. But it still had venom in its fangs.
"It had proper African brown colouring and markings like a cobra. I could see by the shape of its head and neck."
Martin, who owns four boa constrictors, picked up the snake and took it home.
Police later arrived at his house and Martin took the reptile to The Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital, at Wallbridge.
Gloucestershire Police spokeswoman Alexa Collicott said: "It's believed the snake was a cobra that had possibly been kept locally as a pet."
A spokesman at The Clockhouse Veterinary Hospital, said the snake had been shedding its skin and looked as if it had a hood similar to a cobra.
RSPCA spokesman Katya Mira, said cobras do not make suitable pets.
She said: "Unfortunately, many people take on exotic animals without realising the level of care involved.
"As a result, the RSPCA is called out to help an increasing number of exotic animals which have escaped from unsuitable accommodation or simply been released when their owners decide they no longer want them."
A Stroud District Council spokesman said people should not risk handling any snakes in the area. He added: "Should anyone come into contact with a dangerous snake or other animal, we recommend that they do not put themselves at risk and that they contact the police or the council."
Shocked teenagers find dead baby cobra snake near play area

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